Tyler Thigpen: The Chiefs are tied for the second-worst record in the NFL but have come close to beating three teams, two with winning records, in their past three games. And a big reason for that "success" is Thigpen, the Chiefs' young quarterback out of Coastal Carolina. In his past three games, Thigpen has completed 66 of 102 passes (64.7 percent) for 710 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions. Even with their struggles and inconsistencies, the Saints should be favored. But New Orleans' secondary severely is hampered with Mike McKenzie out for the rest of the season, and after close calls, the Chiefs are looking to get over a hump of their own. Considering how the Saints handled (or mishandled) Matt Ryan last week, Thigpen's effectiveness could be just the right factor in leading an upset bid.

Bobby McCray: With the Saints' secondary hurting, the defensive line is going to have to apply extra pressure to the competent quarterbacks it faces. And with Charles Grant out for the season, McCray's role on the end of that line has become one of the most important in the Saints' defense. The loss to the Falcons might have been blinding if you were trying to find positive points, but Sean Payton thought one was McCray. "I thought Bobby played real well, " Payton said Wednesday. McCray and Will Smith, on the other end, are going to have to play a lot better. The Saints have had just one sack, from Kendrick Clancy, in their past three games -- and none in their past two.

Turnovers: "They're second in the league in turnover ratio, which is somewhat surprising when you consider their record, " Payton said about the Chiefs. "They have done a great job of taking the ball away defensively." And the Saints have done a great job of giving the ball up, especially in losses. The Saints have 16 turnovers this season -- 13 during their five losses, and just three during their four wins. New Orleans also has a knack for giving the ball up more often on the road, with nine turnovers in away games and seven in home games. While the Saints have a minus-5 turnover ratio, tied for 25th in the league, the Chiefs have a plus-9 ratio, second in the league (20 takeaways and 11 turnovers). The bottom line is that turnovers have been devastating for the Saints, and they need to avoid them against a team that constantly seems to find them.

GAME PLAN

The Saints' defense is banged up, and the Chiefs' defense might be even more banged up. Kansas City also has the worst defense in the league in yards allowed per game (406.2). So New Orleans' top-ranked offense has to come out aggressively and try to blow Kansas City out, especially after how the Chiefs have been staying in close games in recent weeks. A start like the Saints had against the Falcons last week, with missed red-zone opportunities and no touchdown until the fourth quarter, could be the recipe for an upset. Meanwhile, the Saints' secondary has to prove that it can prevent big plays, and the Saints need to make up for their lack of sacks in recent weeks. Thigpen will only get better if he is allowed time and space to throw. The Saints also need to watch for the return of running back Larry Johnson, who has not played since Oct. 5. The Saints' road jitters have to disappear, and this is the place to get it done -- unless they want to wait until Detroit on Dec. 21.

KEY MATCHUP

THE SAINTS' RUNNING GAME vs. THE CHIEFS' DEFENSE

Not only are the Chiefs ranked 32nd in the league in yards allowed per game, but they also are ranked 32nd in rushing yards allowed (172.3). The Saints desperately want to find and establish a running game after their failure to do so against the Falcons. With Deuce McAllister as the primary back, or even if Pierre Thomas or Aaron Stecker end up getting a lot of touches, the Saints should be able to put together at least a 100-yard rushing day. New Orleans' rushing ranks 27th in the league at 90.6 yards per game and clearly trails other offensive categories for the Saints. This is their opportunity to formulate a game plan with rushing and make it work.

BY THE NUMBERS

The Saints and Chiefs are tied 4-4 in their series against each other. New Orleans won the last matchup, 27-20, at home on Nov. 14, 2004, and Kansas City won the last matchup at Arrowhead Stadium, 25-13, on Dec. 21, 1997. . .. The Saints rank first in the NFL in total yards per game (416.2) and passing yards per game (325.7). No team is within 20 yards per game of them in either of those categories. . .. The Saints are 0-4 in road games this year.

FROM THE COACH'S MOUTH

"We have to not turn the football over in this game on the road to win." -- Payton